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Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews
  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, flavorful chicken wings coated in a seasoned flour mixture, deep-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy honey lemon pepper sauce. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack that balances savory and zesty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats

Breading & Seasoning

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Frying

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for 2 inches deep in pot)

Instructions

  1. Dry the Wings: Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and the wings fry up crispy.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. This seasoned mixture will give the wings their flavorful crust.
  3. Coat the Wings: Add the dried wings into the flour mixture bowl and toss thoroughly until each piece is fully coated with the flour blend. This helps form a crunchy exterior once fried.
  4. Rest the Wings: Let the coated wings rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period helps the coating adhere better during frying.
  5. Make the Sauce: While the wings rest, combine honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and keep warm for tossing later.
  6. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large pot or deep fryer to about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Proper heat ensures crispy wings without being greasy.
  7. Fry the Wings: Fry the wings in batches of 6-8 pieces, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until wings are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Avoid crowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
  8. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried wings with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil, preserving their crispiness.
  9. Toss in Sauce: Place the drained wings into a large bowl, pour the warm honey lemon pepper sauce over them, and gently toss to coat each wing evenly with the tangy, sweet glaze.
  10. Serve: Serve the wings immediately while hot and crispy, or let them sit a few minutes for the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

  • For extra heat, include the optional cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain correct frying oil temperature for best results.
  • Resting wings after coating improves crispness by helping the flour stick better.
  • You can substitute chicken wings with drumsticks or tenders if preferred.
  • Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness but may lose some of the sauce’s freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: honey lemon pepper wings, crispy chicken wings, fried chicken wings, spicy wings, appetizer recipe

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Find it online: https://cookwithsophie.com/honey-lemon-pepper-wings-recipe/